1. Tradition and Change in East Asia Ming and Qing Dynasties and their interaction with Europe

2. The rise of the Ming Mongols in decline with the death of Kublai Khan, finally overthrown in 1368. Massive peasant rebellion led by Hongwu Hongwu a peasant who turned Buddhist Monk to survive, brought about a powerful centralized state.

3. Return to Confucianism Six ministries atop an elaborate bureaucracy administered by Civil Service Exam. Empire divided into provinces, districts, and counties. Villages largely autonomous.

4. Great Wall

5. Ming fortifications While the wall had begun during the Qin age, the wall was largely completed during the Ming. The most frequently visited parts are Ming contributions.

6. Ming Restoration Abandonment of all that was Mongol, names, dress, writings, and politics. A complete restoration of everything Chinese was instituted. Significant rebirth of Confucianism.

7. The Politics of Hongwu Common/orphan origins Rose in military ranks Government marked by: suspicion, scorn for pretentious manners of the scholar class, and a deep respect for the past.

8. Hongwu’s China